Event: Remodeled McCormick & Schmick's Uptown Park with new dishes & cocktails

Executive Chef John Baker, several officials from the Landry's Family of companies, a few of us in the food media and a number of Landry's employees gathered into a special events room in McCormick & Schmick's Uptown Park to sample several new appetizers, main dishes, cocktails and desserts, and to check out its fresh remodeled design. Like Morton's Steakhouse across from the Galleria, M&S got an overhaul that would please Feng Shue experts and Modern Interior designers alike, giving it a more open feel, special curtained off VIP tables, a really nice patio & an upgraded bar with food service. Overall there have been a whole bunch of improvements to the menu, the interior and the bar service that will definitely make patrons happy.

Just FYI:  The food was a collaboration between John Baker, Concept Executive Chef for McCormick and Schmick's, Davic Hernandez, Executive Chef of the Downtown location in the Houston Pavilions and Andrew Oliver, Executive Chef of the McCormick and Schmick's Uptown Park location.  Based on the event, clearly a good deal of thought was put into the development, plating and overall concepts of the dishes and beverages served.

Nice Examples of McCormick &
Schmick Main Dishes

I was part of the lucky throng that got to nosh on petite versions of their Swordfish Casino, Traditional Rockefeller Oysters, Cedar Plank Salmon (best outside of Joe Fortes' in Vancouver BC in my humble opinion), and a display of petite versions of several different desserts available at M & S.

Redesigned Bar at McCormick & Schmick's Uptown Park

Of note, the views for the patrons of M&S have opened up compared to how they were prior to the renovation.  The better sight lines around the restaurant and kitchen are evident as you are able to see a large field of vision from the door and from various points around the property. The patio also received some upgrades and now has ruggedized TVs and better seating. And the event room is larger to handle more people, as well as more events.

For me, the main star was the food served. So without further ado, here are the dishes I got to try and my takes on them:

Crab Cake SLider

Patio at M&S Uptown Park

Appetizers:

Crab Cake Slider

House Made Roasted Poblano Tartar Sauce, Cole Slaw, Brioche Bun.   Grade: A

Seared Ahi Tuna Nacho

Sesame Cucumber Salad, Cilantro Peanut Dressing, Wonton Chip
Grade: A-

Assorted Bruschetta Classic Vine Ripe Tomato, Garlic, Basil, Balsamic with Roasted Mushroom Goat Cheese; White Bean, Baby Spinach, Prosciutto, Fontina Cheese  
I had some of each bruschetta and was pleased with both of them.  The White Bean bruschetta was surprisingly good and it went well with the prosciutto and the Fontina Cheese.  Grade: A-

(Clockwise from left) Cold Water Atlantic Oysters on the half shell, Chilled Cocktail shrimp,
Baked Boursin Stuffed Baby Potatoes, Crab Cake Slider Buttermilk Fried Oyster Tostadas;
White Bean,  Baby Spinach, Prosciutto & Fontina Bruschetta; Traditional Oysters Rockefeller 

Cold Water Atlantic Oysters on the Half Shell--These were quite fresh, served with Lemon wedges, Tobasco Sauce and Cocktail Sauce;  Very nice and satisfying.  Grade: B+

Chilled Cocktail Shrimp: Jumbo Shrimp, very meaty, well prepared, served with the same garnishes and sauces as the Oysters;  I ate a whole bunch!  Grade: A-

Cedar Plank Salmon at
McCormick & Schmick

Main Dishes:

Cedar Plank Salmon: This was one of my favourite dishes from the Landry's Expo at the Inn at the Ballpark several weeks ago.  It was just as good as it was there.  Second only to the one I've had at Joe Fortes in Vancouver, BC.  Grade A

Traditional Oysters Rockefeller

Bacon, Spinach and Pernod, Hollandaise Sauce
Very meaty oysters, well seasoned, very thick and juicy Hollandaise sauce; Grade: A

Buttermilk Fried Oyster Tostadas
Nice mix of crunchy, salty, savoury and slightly spicy.  I had more than a few, to be sure.  Grade: A-

Swordfish Casino

Hawaiian Swordfish Topped with Crabmeat, Bacon and Roasted Red Peppers  
This was a nice suprise--not too busy, very succulent, was well prepared, flaky, not rubbery and well seasoned.  Grade: A

Pork Belly Confit “Spoons”

Fig and Caramelized Onion Compote, Pickled Radish, Demi Glace. 
A nice mix of sweet and savoury, very tasty, "Get in Mah Belly!!!!" Grade: A

Baked Boursin Stuffed Baby Potatoes

French 76 and Hibiscus Margarita

Crispy Bacon, Green Onions;  
A lovely side dish that went well with the fish.  Grade B+

Cocktails:

Hibiscus Margarita:  
This had a nice high end tequila and a bit of a floral and citrus essence to it.  A little salty, a nice hint of lime, and quite quaffable.  Grade: A

French 76: This is a sparkling wine and fruit cocktail.  Was a little dry, despite the fruit in it.  I think it would have worked better with a non-sparkling white wine, but those who like sparkling white wine cocktails will love it.  Grade: B+

Desserts:

Mini Key Lime Pie: This was quite delicious.  Was a nice yellowish green, like real key limes, very tasty, slightly sour, not too sticky.  I love a good Key Lime Pie and this was excellent! Grade A+

White Chocolate & Blueberry Cheesecake: Very nice, solid, smooth and with a nice berry essence.   Grade : B+

Chocolate Truffle Cake: Very chocolatey, not too sweet, had a mousse texture to it almost.  Would have been lovely with a cup of dark roast coffee.  Grade: A

Mini Bourbon Pecan Pie: I am not a fan of pecan pie in general.  Especially the kind that have that yellow gelatin below the pecans type.  Old fashioned praline style are passable.  However, this one was praline style with an essence of Bourbon.  It was crunchy, sweet and had that slight bourbon twang.  I am now a fan of ONLY this kind of Pecan Pie! Grade A+

Mixed Seasonal Berries:  Standard light fare--good mix of berries, they were fresh, crisp, and colourful.  Those wanting a light dessert will like this.  Grade: B

Bar and Dining at McCormick and Schmick, Uptown Park

Also of note is their new Happy Hour Menu, which includes drink and appetizer specials.  It runs 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM Mon-Fri in the Dine in Bar and Lounge Area only.  The specials include $3.50 domestic drafts (non-craft folks), $4.50 Import and Craft Draughts, $4.00 Well Spirits ($1.25 extra for juice), $5.00 Glass Wines, $6.00 cocktails and $7.00 Martinis.  I am a huge fan of Dirty Martinis, and the Dirty Goose (Grey Goose Vodka, extra olive juice) sounds right up my alley!  They also have appetizers ranging from $2.95 (Bruschetta, Hummus or Sweet Potato Fries w/lemon Tobasco Aioli) to $5,95 (Baja Fish Tacos, Margherita Flat Bread and Buffalo Shrimp) and others in between.

I liked McCormick and Schmick quite well before the remodeling.  However, I will say that post-remodeling they have taken their game up a few notches, just like the Landry's Family of Companies have been doing with all their properties over the past year.  I was also glad to see that the Happy Hour had some wonderful items for those of us on a budget as well--something good for a few friends wanting to snack on some good appies while having a beer or a couple of cocktails, without breaking the bank.  If you've not been to McCormick and Schmick yet, I recommend paying them a visit.  

McCormick & Schmick's Uptown Park is located at

1151-01 Uptown Park Boulevard
Houston, TX. 77056
713-840-7900
Hours of operation:
Mon - Sat 11 AM to Midnight
Sun 11 AM to 9:30 PM
Reservations Recommended
Happy Hour: Mon - Sat 3:30 PM to 7 PM

And remember to Eat Happy, Y'all!!!
早安，你们!!!